Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PAW, n. [W. pawen, a paw, a hoof; Arm. pau; Hindoo, pauw; Pers. پَايْ pai, the foot; perhaps contracted from pad or pat, as the Dutch have poot, and the Fr. patte. If so, the word coincides in elements with L. pes, pedis, Gr. πους, Eng. foot, Gr. πατεω.]

1. The foot of beasts of prey having claws, as the lion, the tiger, the dog, cat, &c. – Lev. xi.
2. The hand; in contempt. – Dryden.